The paintings in the Headmaster's office at Hogwarts played witness to countless events over the years. They offered wise advice, soothing conversation, or silence for those that poured their frustrations out. The guidance given grew from countless years of wisdom and experience. However of all the moments within the circular office, few were prepared for the plight of Severus Snape.
Taking the Role of Headmaster
Severus paced the circular office. Each of the paintings eyed him warily, spare one hanging closest to the desk. The man with the half-moon spectacles watched the younger man's frustrations in a polite silence.
"I simply cannot do this. The students – they'll rebel. And the staff? You know full well how they view me now. A traitor and a murderer. I've killed many of their hopes in this war through one action."
"Severus, you cannot back down from this due to the opinions at large. There is far too much at stake, and these children need you." Dumbledore stated calmly.
"Don't you think I realize that?" Severus spat as he stopped to glare at the painting. "Every child in this castle is defenseless. Innocents, Dumbledore. That's what we have left. And every one of them paints me as the monster of their night terrors, right next to the Dark Lord. As far as they're concerned, I am his right hand. I function on his every whim."
"But you do so with purpose. They may not realize it, but without you so many obstacles would remain in our path." Dumbledore watched as the young man resumed his pacing.
"What am I to do? Should the Dark Lord choose to infiltrate the school…I fear I will not be able to save everyone. I cannot have any more deaths on my conscience."
"My boy…you'll do what is right." Dumbledore stated plainly.
"But what? What is right anymore?" Severus slammed his hands down on the desk in frustration. "The line between right and wrong erased itself when this war began." He began to stalk off towards the door when Dumbledore's voice stopped him.
"Severus, we cannot control our fate, but we can decide the actions that take us there."
He stood with his back turned to the desk, and the paintings surrounding it. Severus walked out, slamming the door behind him.